| Abstract: | ABSTRACT. The need for trained manpower in the wastewater treatment field has become critical, especially at the Operator level. Each year for the next five years, an estimated 4,500 new operators will need to be trained and an estimated 7,300 present operators will need skill-improvement training. During 1969–70, the Federal Water Quality Administration (FWQA) initiated a new type of Operator Training Program in collaboration with the Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW); 1,200 operators were successfully trained in 20 states. Approximately 900 were trained under the Cooperative Area Manpower Planning System (CAMPS). During 1970–71, under the joint auspices of the FWQA, DOL, HEW and Department of Defense (DOD), approximately 2,600 operators will be trained in four different programs-in addition to a possible 900 trained under CAMPS. Also important is the human element: motivation of the operator; career-ladders with increased salaries; certification; enhancing the public image of the operator. |
